“The trip to Kenya was a once in a lifetime experience for me, and not only did it live up to my great expectations, it highly highly exceeded them. Each day was better than the last - we saw and did the most amazing things, all in great comfort with incredible people.

I had been worried about my running level - I’m not the fastest runner - but there were different options and I never felt too slow or like I was holding anyone back.
If I could give this trip - the organisation, the general vibe, the people who were on it - 500 stars, I would. The only problem is that I’m not sure how any other holiday could ever live up to it!”
— Lucy R.

Bucket list alert: we're traveling to Kenya to see, hear, taste and RUN one of the most geographically diverse and awe-inspiring countries in the world.

Experience Kenya as few ever do: Explore the Great Rift Valley, spot the Big 5 (and so much more!) in some of the world’s best game reserves and experience the training grounds of legendary distance runners. Lace up your shoes and hit those famed red dirt backroads each day, running alongside inspiring local athletes who will let you in on sights & sounds that are missed on the typical tourist circuit. In the evenings, refuel and recover at unique lodges and luxury tented safari camps with a feast, a sundowner and a blanket of stars overhead as you listen for the roar of lions in the distance. 

Let us go ahead and forewarn you: you'll never want to leave.

ITINERARY

Please note that the listed maximum run distances can always be shortened, and that itinerary is subject to minor adjustments due to weather, logistical considerations, etc.

Run Kenya Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival + A Day in Nairobi
Day 1: Arrival + A Day in Nairobi

Those who arrived early will enjoy a relaxed morning before heading out to explore the best of Nairobi! Stops include an elephant orphanage, a giraffe sanctuary and lunch in the beautiful gardens of the Karen Blixen House.

Meanwhile, others will be arriving at the airport and that evening we will all enjoy our first group dinner together where we’ll dive into introductions, an overview of the week and details about our first run!

Running: none
Meals (early arrival): L, D (lunch, dinner)
Meals (regular arrival): D

DAY 2: TRAIL RUN IN NAIROBI (REALLY!), THEN OFF TO ITEN
DAY 2: TRAIL RUN IN NAIROBI (REALLY!), THEN OFF TO ITEN

After breakfast we’ll head to the Karura Forest, an indigenous forest preserve right in the middle of the city that is home to a fantastic trail network. There will be several distance options which you’ll share with local Kenyan athletes (at your pace, not theirs!), spotting waterfalls, caves and monkeys along the way. Afterward we’ll clean up, have lunch and catch a short flight to Eldoret. From there we’ll head to the nearby town of Iten, arguably the distance running capital of the world where many top athletes live and train. Settle in to our hotel with its sweeping views of the Kerio Valley; this will be home for the next few nights!

Running: 3 mi/5km-9 mi/15km options; dirt road & single track trail
Altitude: 5,800ft / 1800m above sea level
Meals: BLD

DAY 3: CHASING WATERFALLS
DAY 3: CHASING WATERFALLS

After breakfast we’ll head down the escarpment for a unique and challenging out-and-back route that gets well off the beaten track! Get a glimpse of traditional farming life in the area, expect to get cheered on by more than a few school kids and enjoy huge views of a towering waterfall the whole way. After the run we’ll head back to the lodge for a late lunch and an easy afternoon to relax as the pros do - tomorrow is the long run!

Running: up to 8 mi/13km; dirt road & single track trail
Altitude: 6500ft /2000 m above sea level;
Meals: BLD

DAY 4: LONG RUN IN ITEN
DAY 4: LONG RUN IN ITEN

Iten is where the running legends (and aspiring legends) live and train at 8,000ft. We’ll head out early and share the famed red dirt roads with hundreds of other runners getting their miles in as well; be on the lookout for an Olympian or four! A hot shower and big lunch awaits you at the end with plenty of time to soak in the magic of this running mecca. Kick back, get the kinks worked out from a local sports massage therapist and enjoy a full travel-free day of post-long run recovery.

Running: Up to 16 mi / 25km; dirt roads
Altitude: 7,800 ft / 2400 m above sea level
Meals: BLD

DAY 5: SHAKEOUT + TRAVEL TO LAKE NAIVASHA
DAY 5: SHAKEOUT + TRAVEL TO LAKE NAIVASHA

We’ll start the day with an early shakeout run around town before embarking upon a big travel day - but luckily one that involves a stunning descent into the Rift Valley! Our destination is Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake that is home to over 400 species of birds and quite a few hippos as well. Decompress from the drive with an afternoon drink and some birdwatching in the gardens, or maybe an evening stroll with the resident naturalist before a delicious dinner.

Running: 3 mi/5 km - 5mi / 8km shakeout ; dirt roads
Altitude: 7,800 ft / 2000m above sea level
Meals: BLD

DAY 6: RUN WILD + THE MARA
DAY 6: RUN WILD + THE MARA

After an early breakfast we’ll head to nearby Hells Gate National Park, one of the only game reserves that can be explored on foot. Its rocks and gorges (which served as the inspiration for the Lion King!) provide a dramatic backdrop, and wildlife abounds. Expect an experience unlike any other you’ve had before, running alongside zebras, gazelles, warthogs and usually a few giraffes as well!

It’s all the perfect warmup for what’s to come: the Masai Mara! After the run we’ll have another big travel day, but our destination - a luxurious tented safari camp set within the Mara - is well worth the effort.

Running: up to 10 mi / 17km; dirt road
Altitude: 6800ft / 2000m above sea level
Meals: BLD

DAY 7: ALL SAFARI, ALL DAY IN THE MASAI MARA
DAY 7: ALL SAFARI, ALL DAY IN THE MASAI MARA

We’ve wrapped up our running for the week, and today is all about what we’ve all been waiting for: safari! The Masai Mara is one of the most famous conservation areas in all of Africa and home to an astounding array of wildlife. We’ll wake to a big breakfast and a full day of game driving, exploring far reaches of the Mara in search of lions, rhinos, hippos, giraffe, elephants, wildebeest, crocodiles, and many, many other amazing animals. Bring your best camera gear – today is a photographer’s dream! We then spend a second night at the beautiful safari camp, with top-notch service and incredible surroundings.

Running: none
Meals: BLD

DAY 8: DEPARTURE, BUT FIRST...
DAY 8: DEPARTURE, BUT FIRST...

It may be the final day, but we’re going to make the most of every moment! We’ll start the day with a sunrise safari, exploring the savannah one last time and hopefully catching sight of many animals at their most active time of day. We’ll have a nice easy morning and big lunch back at camp, then depart by light aircraft from the nearby airstrip - this is an incredible chance to see the Mara from above!

We’ll land in Nairobi and have the opportunity to freshen up before boarding evening flights home, or connecting to any itinerary add-ons.

Running: none
Meals: BLD

PRICING & DETAILS

DATES
Sunday, October 3 through Monday, October 11, 2021

RUNNING REQUIREMENTS
All levels welcome! Daily run maximums are listed on the itinerary and there are no minimums nor time restrictions (and if you want more mileage, we can usually make it happen).

COST
A $600 deposit secures your spot, and the total cost depends upon signup date:

Standard Pricing (through August 3): $4695
Late Pricing (After August 3): $4795


Balance due by August 3, 2021. Registrations after that date will be due in full. Please refer to the FAQs on our website for our cancellation & refund policy.

COST INCLUDES

  • Thorough pre-trip communication regarding flights, packing and other information

  • Transfers to/from the Nairobi airport (NBO) on arrival and departure day

  • Ground transportation: vehicles, fuel and professional drivers

  • 2 regional flights from Nairobi to Eldoret and from the Masai Mara to Nairobi

  • Eight nights accommodation in upmarket hotels, lodges & safari camps

  • Safari game drives

  • Organized, supported runs

  • All game reserve and national park entry fees

  • A team of experienced, expert Rogue Expeditions & Kenyan trip leaders

  • All meals from dinner on Day 1 to dinner on Day 9

  • Water + coffee, tea & juice with breakfasts

  • Rogue Expeditions shirt

  • An experience that you’ll never forget!
     

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE

  • International flight (2 regional flights are included)

  • Visa (to be obtained online prior to departure - we will provide guidance!)

  • Alcohol or beverages other than water (coffee, tea and juice always complimentary with breakfast)

  • Travel Insurance

  • Personal purchases/souvenirs

  • Tips (optional)

AVAILABLE ADD-ONS

Early Arrival Package: includes airport pickup, 1 night hotel (single room), all meals (dinner, breakfast, lunch), guide / transport / entrance fee to visit the Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi.
$400 or $700 for two people sharing a room

Private Room Upgrade: Guarantees your own room for all 8 nights. Solo travelers who do not choose the upgrade will be placed with a same-sex roommate.
$850 (four available)

GROUP SIZE
There will be a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 14 runners. Spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so early deposits are recommended!


TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
US citizens require a visa to enter Kenya. The visa costs $50 and can be easily obtained online beforehand (we’ll provide specific instructions to registered participants). Participants from other countries should check with their consulate for current entry requirements.

At the time of writing (June 20, 2021), foreigners are permitted to enter Kenya with a negative PCR test result obtained within 96 hours prior to entry and a temperature check upon arrival. Ultimately it is up to you to ensure that you have everything in order to get into and out of the country, though we will keep registered participants posted as things evolve! US citizens can get the latest embassy updates here.

Please ensure that your departure from Nairobi on October 11 is no earlier than 5pm. Most international flights depart late (11pm and on), which we recommend. More flight suggestions will be provided upon registration!

Please note that travel insurance is strongly recommended. Although we hope you never need it, we've seen enough to know that it can be a lifesaver in the event of a medical emergency, flight delays that cause you to miss the start of the trip, lost baggage or cancellation on your part (broke your leg two weeks before departure? Insurance could cover the entire cost of your trip!). 

FAQS & COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
Please note that this trip will only run if we are confident that it can be done in a reasonably safe, enjoyable and of course legal manner, and that all participants must be willing to abide by any and all safety measures that our guides and/or government officials deem necessary during this trip. Much remains to be seen about the near-term trajectory of the travel industry, and while we will do everything within our power to make this trip happen it is possible that it may not be feasible.

In the event that Rogue Expeditions cancels this trip due to COVID-19-related issues, participants are guaranteed a full refund or credit of all payments made towards this trip, and those using a credit from a previously cancelled trip will have their credit extended again.

FAQS
You can find the full cancellation/transfer policy, along with the rest of the trip-specific FAQs here..

CONTACT
Gabe Steger at gabe@roguexpeditions.com